AS commendations pour in for successful containment of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, by the Federal Government, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, has condemned reports of discrimination and stigma being faced by Nigerian Ebola survivors.

It could be recalled that the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola had last week unveiled four of the 12  Ebola survivors in Nigeria who summoned courage to  encourage Nigerians as well as prove to the world that Ebola was not a death sentence.

Ebola Survivors: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos(4th left) with survivors of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, during a visit to the Governor in Lagos, yesterday. From Right: Dr. Adaora Igonoh, Dennis Akagha, Fashola, Dr. Ibeawuchi Morris, Dr. Fadipe Akinniyi and Dr. Enemuo Kelechi

Orhii who spoke in Lagos argued that there is no basis for anyone to discriminate or stigmatised against the survivors.

According to him, these Nigerians with known status are the best group of people to be associated with for now describing the current display by some Nigerians discriminating against them as unfortunate and ignorance.

The Director- General of NAFDAC, expressed worry queried why a disease that has been treated and cured should still be a problem to Nigerians.

He said: The issue of stigma is very unfortunate. I wonder why a disease that has been treated and cure should still be a problem. Ebola is like other diseases when they are treated and cured.  If somebody has recovered we should not discriminate against the person.

“We should learn to accept them back into the society.  This is a problem that even came up during a meeting with other African countries. We were worried that there will be a time it will become a problem to collect money from survivors.

However, it may interest you that at a WHO meeting we have decided to use the blood of these survivors and serum to treat patients.  They have a certain level of protection because of the antibodies,” he stated.

He called for show of love and care to others. “I encourage you to accept them because they are no longer a treat to you. Once they have been certified Ebola free and discharged they are no longer a problem or risk in the community.”

GGI hails FG’s prompt response

EFFORTS by the Federal government of Nigeria and other relevant healthcare authorities towards ensuring that Ebola Virus Disease is eliminated from the country, nave been commended by the Good Governance Initiative, GGI, Mr. Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu , stated that Nigeria is approaching victory line and should not relent in the fight against Ebola in the country.“

Mbisiogu who spoke from London, noted that Nigeria is progressively engaged in  stopping the spread of the epidemic, while calling on all Nigerians to join hands with the Federal government to eliminate the deadly virus. He pointed out that Nigeria has shown quality leadership towards tackling the epidemic.

“The proactive measures put in place by the Nigerian government are worth encouraging, and I implore all to join hands in this fight for the sake of the Nigerian economy and the future of our children. I also applaud the good work of the Lagos State government in the manner with which it is handling Ebola outbreak in the country.”

Mbisogu said the national commitment and approach taken by all Nigerians encouraged the international community to have faith in the country, especially foreign investors.